Welcome to this Tiny Little Town! Meet the mayor and the townspeople as you embark on this fun and quirky musical. The experience begins even before you set foot inside the theatre. As we queued outside, two businessmen emerged with bright and welcoming smiles, holding a sign that read: "Tiny Little Town - 10 Miles". This is truly a journey into an imaginary town somewhere in the US.
Has real depth behind its quirky exterior
The musical begins with a bright and colourful opening number that introduces the town. All is well until the mayor receives news that the US government has sent an inspector from Washington DC to report on their town. Chaos ensues as the characters scramble to tidy up their affairs. From the judge and the health minister to the postmaster and the school superintendent, they try to bribe their way out of trouble. However, in a major plot twist, unbeknownst to the townspeople, an imposter pretends to be the inspector, taking advantage of the situation until the truth is revealed.
The set design is exquisite, featuring a rich, saturated colour palette that enhances the ’70s feel. Each character boasts a unique and distinct look that adds to their personality and quirkiness. From the mayor's wild hair to his wife’s multicoloured jumpsuit and the businessmen’s beige trousers and green jackets, the costumes are both memorable and appealing. The music complements the look perfectly, with most musical numbers advancing the story, though at times there are pacing issues. The choreography makes excellent use of the stage, with eccentric moves that will have audiences giggling throughout.
As the show came to an end, I was left wanting more. I was charmed and invested in this town and would definitely welcome a second act. Tiny Little Town explores themes of longing for the big city and perceiving the cosmopolitan lifestyle as superior to the charming yet small-town life. It delves into appearances and deceptions, corruption, and the complexity of human interactions and politics. Despite their moral dubiousness, the flawed characters are oddly likeable. In fact, this Tiny Little Town may well hold a mirror up to our own society. So, I found myself wanting to know more about what happened to the real inspector. Tiny Little Town has real depth behind its quirky exterior and is a show worth watching if you enjoy musicals with a touch of social commentary.
